Department of Justice

Armed Heroin Trafficker Sentenced 5 Years in Federal Prison

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Christian Montalvo, 40, of Providence, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for trafficking heroin and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi also ordered Montalvo to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Montalvo pleaded guilty on November 4, 2014, to one count each of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Montalvo entered his guilty plea as jury selection was underway for his federal court trial. No plea agreement was filed in this matter.

According to court documents, on November 14, 2013, ATF agents executed a court authorized federal search warrant at Montalvo’s residence and of his vehicle. As a result of the search, agents seized nearly 10 grams of heroin found stashed inside a void in a bedroom door; a loaded .38 caliber revolver and various items used in the preparation and distribution of heroin discovered in the kitchen; and more than 58 grams of heroin from inside a hidden compartment inside Montalvo’s vehicle.

According to court documents, Montalvo admitted to an ATF agent that the drugs and the firearm were his and that he purchased the firearm for $200 from a heroin user for protection.

Montalvo has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on November 14, 2013.